Authorities in Punjab have issued a red warning for dense fog across six districts and are sending phone alerts to residents as visibility deteriorates. The Punjab State Disaster Management Authority and the India Meteorological Department (Chandigarh) have warned that Amritsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana and Patiala are likely to experience extremely poor visibility over the next 24 hours.
The warnings come after several days of worsening fog across large parts of the state. Officials say the situation may hamper road travel, disrupt public transport and increase the risk of accidents. The disaster authority has already started distributing alert messages to mobile phones in affected districts and urged the public to call 112 for any emergency.
Punjab fog alert: safety and travel advice
Motorists are being advised to avoid non-essential travel while visibility remains low. Where travel is unavoidable, drivers should reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and use low-beam headlights rather than high beams to avoid glare. Public transport operators have been asked to exercise extra caution and adjust timetables where necessary.
Health officials have warned that dense fog can aggravate respiratory problems, particularly for older people and those with chronic lung conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows and doors closed when possible and follow any local health advisories. Those who rely on inhalers or other medication should ensure they have sufficient supplies.
The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for 2 and 3 January in the named districts. A subsequent period of lower-severity alerts — yellow and orange — is forecast from 4 to 6 January as conditions gradually change. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will update warnings if conditions worsen or improve.
Local administrations have mobilised resources to respond to any incidents caused by the fog. Emergency services have been placed on heightened readiness and residents are encouraged to call the single emergency number, 112, for assistance. Schools, workplaces and transport operators in affected areas may announce local changes depending on ground conditions.
Officials also reminded people to heed official alerts and avoid sharing unverified information on social media. Those who received site notifications or browser alerts were asked to follow legitimate instructions from government sources rather than third-party messages.
Road safety groups have urged drivers approaching highways and rural roads to be particularly cautious at dawn and dusk, when fog tends to be densest. If visibility drops suddenly, drivers should pull off the carriageway where it is safe to do so and switch on hazard lights until conditions improve.
Storm and weather offices will continue issuing regular updates. Residents in the listed districts should expect further alerts and plan accordingly until visibility improves and officials downgrade the warning levels.
Key Takeaways:
- Punjab fog alert: Red warnings issued for Amritsar, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana and Patiala for the next 24 hours.
- Punjab State Disaster Management Authority has sent phone alerts to residents and urged anyone facing an emergency to call 112.
- The India Meteorological Department (Chandigarh) forecasts red alerts on 2–3 January, with yellow and orange alerts expected on 4–6 January.
- Authorities advise reduced travel, use of headlights in low visibility, and precautions for older people and those with respiratory conditions.
